How far back can you trace your family's roots? Great grandparents on both sides? Perhaps one or two additional generations? If so, your family is special. Most of us have difficult tracing family roots back more than a few generations beyond grandparents. Maybe that's a good thing.  read more »

I'm concerned about an ancient Hawaiian tradition. The lei. This simple string of colorful, aromatic flowers is a symbol of Hawaii. The lei is also a symbol of days gone by, perhaps never to return. Graduates get a layer of lei so high it covers the chin. People are honored for an accomplishment or prestige with a flower lei. Friends leaving Hawaii or returning to Hawaii? No lei. Times have changed.  read more »